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Here you can choose your preffered type of holidays. We differentiate between

Bike & Boat: Bike and boat cycling holidays are a fantastic way to relax and explore a country and a cycling experience you will never forget. A barge or cruise ship is your floating hotel providing comfortable accommodations, excellent food and drinks and an active vacation in a small group.

Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

Fjord-like Landscapes, Puszta, Balkan and Paprika

Discover the breathtaking natural scenery of the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe, the vast expanse of the Pannonian plains, cycle through the Danube Bend in Hungary and the breadbaskets of Croatia and Serbia, through idyllic wine-growing regions and past commanding fortresses high above the river. Visit Belgrade, the "white city", fall in love with bewitching Budapest, the "Paris of the East", marvel at the baroque palaces in the picturesque old Town of Bratislava and let yourself be carried away by the elegant charm of Vienna, the city of the waltz.

Tour profile / Level 1-2

The cycle paths are asphalted for the most part and run through flat to lightly hilly terrain – mainly following the routing of Eurovelo 6 – via cycle paths and country roads with little traffic. Don’t feel like cycling today? You can reach your destination easily by boat.

Höhenprofil Passau-Eisernes_Tor

Day 1: Passau

Embarkation 4.00 p.m. in Passau; departure is at 5.00 p.m. Enjoy a final view of the beautiful city of Passau as you glide serenely into the sunset, past dark green forests before entering the lock at the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria.

Day 2: Great Loop/Engelhartszell-Aschach approx. 42 km

Your first day’s cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Great Loop’ Donauschlinge - one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous ‘Schlogener View’ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.

Day 3: Devin - Bratislava, approx. 15-43 km

A narrow cycle path runs along the Iron Curtain from the castle ruins in Devin to the splendid palace of Schloss Hof, which boasts one of the most magnificent baroque gardens in Europe. There follows a stretch of untouched countryside and a short time later, you arrive in the vibrant city of Bratislava. Our miniature train tour of the Slovakian capital in which Hungarian kings were once crowned (optional) begins with a glorious view from the fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city and ends with a walk through the beautifully restored historic city centre.

Savour the entrance to Budapest and the stunning views of the city‘s most famous buildings. Discover the city that straddles the Danube on a guided tour (optional) or take a detour to the delightful little town of Szentendre with many artists and galleries. Get a taste of the fiery Hungarian temperament at a Hungarian folklore show with traditional music and folk dance accompanied by wine and hearty local food (optional).

Day 5: Baha - Mohacs, approx. 37 km

From the quiet baroque town of Baja that is famous for their fish soup, you’ll cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes past fields of sunflowers. At the end of today’s stage, you take the ferry to the little town of Mohacs, Hungary’s most southerly town on the Danube and famously the site of two battles with the Ottoman Turks.

Day 6: Belgrade (rest day)

Explore the fun loving Serbian capital at the confluence of the Save and the Danube by bike or bus, take a journey in time from the past to the present and learn about the rise and fall of Yugoslavia (optional). In the evening, Belgrade is bathed in a sea of light. Visit a colourful folklore show with traditional dances from all parts of the country, followed by typical regional specialities in the well-known bohemian district of Skadarlija with lively folk music from a Serbian band (optional).

Day 7: Cataract Canyons / Iron Gates National Park (rest day)

Experience the stunning fjord-like landscape at close quarters from the ship’s deck. The river cuts through the Romanian Carpathian mountains and the mighty foothills of the Balkan mountain range. A spectacular landscape with steep gorges, dark forests with historic monuments and impregnable fortresses on the shores that are reflected in the blue waters of the river: this miracle of nature will take your breath away!

Day 8: Novi Sad - Ilok, approx. 48 km

The imposing Petrovaradin fortress perches high above the provincial capital of the Vojvodina. After cycling upstream along a flat cycle path you take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with their orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Everything in the medieval town of Ilok revolves around wine. During an evening tour of the town, you will have the opportunity to sample some famous croatian wines at a wine cellar (optional).

Day 9: Batina – Mohacs, approx. 42 km

In the border triangle you cycle through the never-ending „Backa“. Small, idyllic villages and endless canola fields accompany you from Croatia to Serbia and Hungary. Farmers stop their work to greet you and now and then you will meet a carriage. You will experience untouched nature in the Nemzeti National Park and after the ferry ride to Mohacs there is enough time for a visit at the White Stork Museum or the Memorial of the Battle of Mohacs.

Day 10: Kalocsa - Solt, approx. 50 km

Kalocsa is the "Paprika Capital" of Hungary and the character of the town is strongly influenced by colourful houses with hand painted, bright floral patterns and the cathedral with their towers that can be seen even from a distance as they rise into the skies from the flat Hungarian plain. Visiting the Paprika Museum, you’ll learn all there about Hungary’s favourite spice. Continue your journey on the well built cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the vast expanse of the puszta, and corn fields and orchards that stretch as far as the eye can see until you reach Solt, birthplace of the famous conductor Sir George Solti. Vecsey Castle and the library with some 34,000 books are especially worth seeing.

Day 11: Danube Bend - Esztergom, approx. 43 km

The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the "Hungarian Wachau". Set in the middle of the Danube, the delightful island of Szentendre radiates real puszta romance. As you continue your journey on idyllic cycle paths through picturesque villages, you’ll be able to experience the Hungarian zest for life at first hand. The dome of the imposing basilica in Esztergom that sits high over the Danube can be seen from far and wide. Hungary’s largest church, with its Tuscan style high altar and a side chapel with red marble walls is especially worth seeing.

Day 12: Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg, Danube Island,...)

After so many action packed days of cycling, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park and the impressive skyline as you sail into Vienna. Go for a ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s favourite recreational area, cycle out to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards of the so called Kahlenberg (with magnificent views over the city and the Danube). The day ends traditionally with a concert of classic waltz and operetta music in a historic Viennese palace (optional).

Day 13: Vienna (rest day)

Discover Vienna: from the saddle on a guided bike tour or on your own with the HOP ON HOP OFF Bus (optional). Ride through the historic city centre at a leisurely pace and see the sights from close up. The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterwards, there’s enough time to stroll through the quaint lanes or visit the Naschmarkt, a feast for the senses. End your day in Vienna in traditional fashion at a rustic wine tavern.

Day 14: Wachau | Krems - Melk, approx. 37 km

This final stage of your cycling tour can best be described as magical! The gentle hilly countryside of the Wachau with their picturesque villages, historic castles and palaces surrounded by apricot trees and terraced vineyards, is one of the loveliest stretches of the river. In Weißenkirchen the cycle path is lined with cosy vintner’s taverns and you should definitely treat yourself to a break here (optional wine tasting)!

Day 15: Passau

Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early morning tranquillity of the Danube valley one last time. Catch a final view of the Danube Bend at Schlögen – before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approx. 10.00 a.m.. Independent homeward travel. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 11.00 a.m.. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.

General Information:

In the event of extremely high or low water, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge stages by bus or even to cancel the trip at short notive without any legal claim arising therefrom (water levels are force majeure). The same applies for officially decreed repairs to locks or bridges, not announced in advance, or in the event of motor or propulsion damage to the ship without attributed fault.One the one hand, a riverboat is a “holiday hotel”, while on the other, it is also a means of transport that moves with motor power and must always be operated, even at night (partially with lock and bridge passages and the retractions and extensions of the structures caused as a result). Mistakes can happen with lock passages. This is the case for all Danube journeys and cannot be avoided.Please bear in mind that riverboats are restricted (bridge passages, locks) in size (length, height, width) and therefore cannot be compared with cruise liners in the sea. The cabins are limited in space but are nevertheless comfortable and furnished.

In Passau we offer a guarded parking possibility with our Partner Globus Parkservice / Eichberger Reisen.Parking for special vehicles (caravan, minibus, van) for additional charge. Prices incl. 2 transfers (parking-ship-parking). A transferbus will bring you directly to the ship. As buses cannot reach pier 1 or 2 you will get off at Römerplatz (pier 5) and have to walk the last meters (walking distance approx. 4-5 min.). Your luggage will be delivered seperately by minibus directly to the ship.

Further information will be given within your travel documents prior departure.

Passau is connected with the regional and intercity trafficnet of the Deutschen Bahn (german train). Main train station is reachable - depending on the ship landing stage of the ship - between 2-6 km. You´ll find taxis at the Airport exit. No liability for any delays. Please be informed that seat reservations can only be done via Deutsche Bahn AG (f.i. via webpage >>www.bahn.de) or in your travel agency.

Please note: place of embarkation/disembarkation can be changed by the port authorities even on the day of arrival.If you can not find your mooring, please contact the cruise manager on board (phone number in your travel documents).

Disembarkation will take place after arrival of the ship (about 10:00 h) and will take about 1 hour to complete.Please take this into account when planning your return journey and do not book trains before 11:30 h.Note for private departing guests: Taxis are very popular in Passau on embarkation and disembarkation days - very long waiting times.may applyFurther information can be obtained on board from the cruise line or at the reception.

You´ll receive a detailed roadbook with maps and infomation to the routing on
board.You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo
and are therefor able to time your day to your needs. Only the schedule gives you a
time frame.Our cruise director explains the evening before the next cycling
path in the daily breefings and inform you about the specifics and gives tipps about
sightseeing, possibilities to take a rest and specialities.If you do not want to
cycle, just stay on board and enjoy the passing landscape on the sun deck or relax
in the infrared cabin. The crew is trying to make your stay as comfortable as
possible.

Guided tour:

You cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide. Taste some Austrian
delicacies: you’ll try sweet cider in a wine tavern in the world-famous Wachau
region you will also get to savour a small variety of regional wine specialties. During
a guided tour by bike or bus you will pass by numerous famous sights in Vienna
and Budapest.

Welcome on board the MS Carissima!

On board our comfortable cruise ship you enjoy an exclusive atmosphere – in the spacious, convenient cabins as well as in the stylish outdoor area. Experience the fantastic view to breathtaking landscapes – on the bike, from the pool on the sun deck, in the comfy seats of the lounge, and even during your amazing meals in the first class restaurant.

This exciting bike trip will make your holiday unforgettable. A warm and charming crew is waiting for you to make your stay on board as comfortable as possible.

Ship information

Capacity

150 passangers

Length

110 m

Breadth

11,4 m

Draft

1,6 m

Speed

21 km/h

Crew

approx. 35

Electricity

220 Volt

Language on board

German / English

Cabin information

Standard, Comfort or Luxury ? On the MV Carissima YOU have the choice

All 75 de-luxe staterooms have 14 m² and feature a hotel-style double bed, which may be converted to two single beds. The half-height windows on the Main deck cannot be opened, the staterooms on the Upper and Middle deck provide full-size picture windows which do open. All cabins are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower, hair dryer, TV, safe and full air-conditioning.

Standard cabin:The 14 m² standard cabins are located on the main deck and feature half-height windows which CAN´T be opened and twin beds that can be separated or pushed together. ECO cabins are located in the front/rear part of the ship, where engine noise is possible.

ComfortCabin:The 14 m² standard cabins are located on the middle deck and feature full-size picture windows and twin beds that can be separated or pushed together. ECO Cabins are located in the front/rear part of the ship, where engine noise is possible.

Superior Cabin:The 14 m² standard cabins are located on the upper deck and feature full-size picture windows and twin beds that can be separated or pushed together.

The first you´ll experience when boarding is the inviting atmosphere and the coziness of this river ship. In the restaurant you will experience a true culinary excursion through the Danube countries – the fantastic view of the beautiful scenery will sweeten the diversity of flavours you are tasting. In the Panorama-Lounge, where the bar is located, you can enjoy a glass of wine with your new friends and travel mates while the gorgeous landscape is passing by. Comfortable lounge chairs and discreet colors make you stay a little longer…

After an exciting day of cycling you can relax in the spa with sauna and whirlpool. For pleasant refreshment, jump into the pool (June through August) on the sun deck, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view. And if you are in the mood for reading, just borrow a book in the library! The comfortable ship will make your journey unforgettable. Wifi is available on board (payable on spot, connection can vary).

Restaurant / Catering /Kitchen

In the convivial panoramic restaurant, all guests will eat together at the same time. We provide daily fresh prepared international and national specialties from the cuisine of the countries along the route.If you are traveling with friends, please mention this when booking. Gladly an internal note is deposited to get a common table in the restaurant. Please note that it is not always possible for several people to accommodate all at one table as there is limited space in the restaurant and not all table sizes are available.

The full board consists of: breakfast, packed lunch for bikers (resp. light meal for guests on board), dinner with menue-choice, coffee-/tea break with sweets in the afternoon. Your table number will be provided during boarding.

Diet requirements

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lacto-free etc is no problem. Special meals have to be ordered latest by 3 weeks prior departure.Please be informed that due to the limited shopping possibilities of the constantly changing ports, not all diets can be offered.In individual cases and by appointment, you are also welcome to bring along your own food for your special meal.

Board- und Excursionprogram

A musician will provide evening entertainment. One day the crew invites you to an evening of entertainment, good mood and fun!With your travel documents you will be informed about all possible excursions offered. Please also use the information event on board.Excursions can only be booked on board with our cruise director.

Laundry Service

Put your clothes-to-wash in the plastic bag that you find in your cabin. After the next cabin service the housekeeping staff will take your clothes to the laundry and bring it back the day after. Further information and prices at the reception directly on board.Excerpt from the price list: shorts € 3,-, pullover € 3,50,-, T-Shirt € 3,-, socks € 1,-

Drinking water / Beverages

The water on board is drinkable. It is stored in a special tank for drinking water, is treated chemically and regularly checked by the authorities. Of course you are welcome to purchase mineral water in the bar or restaurant (prices according to list).

Different drinking packages will be offered which are only bookable directly on board.

Please be informed that it´s forbidden do bring self-bought drinks on board and consume them in public areas. Consumption only permitted in the cabin.

Internet / Mobile phone

There is the possibility to connect to the Internet via WLAN / WIFI on board. Please take note that depending on the route, there may be restrictions on the connection from the on-board network to the Internet.The first 100MB are free of charge, after that you can buy more data if needed. The access code and prices are available at the reception.

If you want to be reachable on board in urgent cases, please leave our office number at your family. We will forward you the message as soon as possible.

Life on board

There is no special dress code on board. Casual clothing is sufficient. For the concert and the gala dinner some passengers are dressed more elegant. We suggest appropriate clothing for the bike-tours as e.g. cycling pants, bike-gloves, sportive shoes, etc…sun- and rain protection – please don’t forget! A warm sweater for rather cool evenings on deck. Swim wear for using the opportunity on hot days along your bike-leg.Our guests are very international from all countries all over the world.

Sundeck

Sometimes it is necessary - depending on the water level s- to leave the sundeck when passing low bridges for safety reasons. Please pay attention to the announcements of the crew .

Shore

You can leave the ship immediately after docking. We kindly ask you to be back on board at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.The times of residence can change at short notice, please pay attention to announcements and hints in the daily program. Please make sure that you pick up your landing card at the reception in the harbors before leaving the ship and return them when you return aboard. The shore maps are used by the ship’s command to check that all guests are back on board.

Medical care

For emergency cases doctors are also shortly available ashore.

Pets

It´s not allowed to bring pets on board.

Smoking on board

Please note that the whole ship (incl. cabins, restaurant, café) is absolutely a non smoking area. Smoking is allowed only on the open sundeck.

Tipping

For anyone who has taken a mainstream cruise before, the subject of tipping is a common one; after all, the wonderful service you’re treated to for an entire week an equally suitable reward.Towards the end of the cruise you will find an envelope in your cabin . This will allow you to place cash into the unmarked envelope. The cash needs to be Euros. You can then place it in a box near reception. This form of giving a tip is useful to credit all crew-members.A noncommittal directive would be approx. € 7,- to 9,- per person and day.The cruise director is not included in this system. If you have been satisfied with his work during the week – there will be also a tip box available directly at the cruise director’s desk.

Currency/ Payment

All prices are in EURO. With each order you receive a receipt to sign.The invoice can be paid in cash or with credit card (VISA or Master Card) on the day of departure at the reception.Excursions have to be paid directly at the cruise director (credit card accepted).

Bicycle & Equipment:

Our bicycles are modern and high stardard quality of KTM. We offer 28-Zoll-Unisex-tourbikes with deep comfort-entrance. The bikes are equipped with either 21 or 24-derailleur-gear (depending on ship) with override, caliper breaks and robust wheels. Our bicycles are mostly not older than 3 years. During the journey, you are liable for any damage, loss or theft. A corresponding bike insurance can be completed on board.

We offer

touring bikes with freewheel

and

E-Bikes (Pedelecs)

All bicycles have a deep comfort entry (wave frame) *, men’s frames are available from a height of 186 cm.

Children bikes, children seat, children trailer and tagalong can be booked.

Our bicycles are equipped with:

puncture-proof tires

1 good sized, waterproofed pannier bag

1 handle bar bag

air pump

per cabin you will receive a service kit with breakdown tools and a bicycle lock

Our modern e-bikes (pedelecs) are quality branded bikes with hub gear, freewheel, powerful electric motor and gradually selectable pedal assistance.The battery range depends on support level, driving style, body weight and terrain. The more hilly the railing, the higher the body weight, the more battery capacity is consumed.You save your battery by starting with as low support as possible and increasing it if necessary.

Tip: E-bikes are a great development, but should be - due to their driving characteristics (high weight + high speed) - booked only by very safe and experienced cyclists with a very good sense of balance. Not suitable are electric bikes for people who rarely ride a bicycle.

IMPORTANT: please reserve Ebikes early, as they are only available in very limited numbers (about 20 e-bikes per ship).

Bike breakdownCan also occur with very new and good bikes. A puncture of the wheel will be fixed by yourself, for bigger damages please contact your cruise director. Please do not make any repair-service without our agreement on our bikes. For smaller technical problems with the bike please contact the cruise director or a member of the crew at the end of the bike-leg.

Private Bikes

You are welcome to bring your own bike. This is specially adapted to your needs, and of course you would like to have it on your biking trip.

Our employees have to lift all bicycles to and from the ship every day. Every kilo counts here. In order to protect the health of our crew, we can only accept bicycles without fixed superstructures (rear view mirrors, card holders, baskets, wheel arches, etc.), the max. Tare weight must not exceed 27 kg under any circumstances.

Do not forget to bring a tool bag with necessary keys and reserve hose and a lock and check the bike for functionality before you leave.For your daily luggage a pannier bag will be provided on board.

We try to treat your bikes as gently as possible, but in rare cases small scratches or damage can not be completely avoided.

For organizational reasons, the bikes (including those owned by the customer) are sometimes not brought on board overnight, but are locked on the platform in front of the ship.

The bikes are parked on the sundeck (not covered), a parking of the bikes inside the ship is not possible for safety reasons. Due to the very cramped space, the bicycles are close together, at bridge crossings they must be laid flat.

Please note: neither the ship, nor the shipping company, our crew or RAD & REISEN are liable for any damage, loss or theft.

We thoroughly enjoyed our bike and barge on the Danube. Andras, the tour director, worked very hard to insure, even with the low waters on the Danube, our trip was fulfilling. Even though we didn?t have a chance to make it to the Iron Gate the trip was ...

An excellent trip! My friends enjoyed it as well. Only two recommendations:
- add a "coffee package" instead of just alcohol - I would have given anything for a decent cup of coffee in the morning. The standard breakfast coffee was not good.
- ...

We had previously been on this ship and with the same tour director, Andreas. The ship needs some major updating. All the staff, from reception, cleaning, hotel manager, tour director, and restaurant were excellent and very positive. One route had to ...

I have no travel report, but I do have a suggestion. Since breakfast is buffet, why not let folks sit wherever they want in the morning. Randy and I felt we were unable to meet as many folks as we could of on the trip, which was 2 weeks, because we ...

We did the14 day Passau to Iron Gate bike/boat and had a wonderful time. Cycling self-guided was new for us and it was great as you could go at your own pace and the route instructions and daily route briefings were easy to follow. Boat (Theodore Korner) ...

We would change nothing about this tour. We loved every minute of it. Everything was as expected, no unexpected surprises. The bikes, routes, optional tours, food, and accommodations were excellent. The staff was wonderful, so helpful and friendly. ...

This was a first cycling holiday for my husband and I and a group of friends. It was extremely positive. The cycling was great. Weather was a bit of an issue. Loved the fact that there were built in days of rest to do other tourist activities and ...

We had an excellent 2 week tour with favorable weather, which made for comfortable riding. The tour was rearranged at the last minute due to low water levels and we were a little disappointed that the full tour to the Iron Gate was not possible. The ...

Danube Iron Gate trip (2 weeks) an unbelievable experience. Average age on board was probably 65, very average levels of fitness. Everyone very game to go, e-bikes or not. Routes very well laid out. Maps and guidance excellent. Virtually entire route ...

Would appreciate better arrangement in checking in, can settle everyone in their own rooms first before briefing and checking in ( we stood one hour in the heat and sun). Dinner and buffet meals were long wait also, often needed two hours to wait for ...

A great trip except a few issues.
1. There should be A/C in dining room
2. Better wifi service-- it was very limited. Had to sit in stairway
3.More explicit directions for route, especially finding bike path out of towns at the beginning of each day. ...

This is the second holiday with your company and we enjoyed both very much.
The staff and tour director were very professional and friendly. Our cabin was good with efficient air conditioning which was very important for us.
The food on board the ship ...

Our first bike trip with Rad Reisen and our 4th bike holiday in Europe. Great preparation and assistance from Katharina (all in English) before our departure from Australia. The bikes were both in good condition, one e-bike with Bosch electric assist ...

We very much enjoyed our holiday with Rad Reisen and the selected tour. Two weeks was just right. Our cabin was excellent, just the right size (205). We had found on previous bike/boat tours that Bunk bed cabins were too small. There was a problem with ...

In general, we very much enjoyed this tour. The bike rides were varied and interesting. The boat was well maintained and rooms were small, but efficient. We very much enjoyed meeting people from a variety of countries and cultures on the tour.
However, ...